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Aerospace & Defense, Government Contracting, Technology

Systems Engineer/Principal Systems Engineer (AHT)

Wright-patterson AfbOnsiteFull TimePrincipal$83,400–$155,400 /yrPosted 1 month ago

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Required skills

  • Top Secret
  • TS/SCI
  • AFSIM
  • Python
  • C++
  • object-oriented programming
  • team environment
  • Agile development team
  • Jira

Nice to have

  • AFSIM development
  • scenario development
  • plugin development
  • MATLAB
  • SQL
  • Java

Role summary

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer with an emphasis on AFSIM to support NASIC/NSIC. The role involves developing, integrating, and maintaining models and simulations in the AFSIM framework for mission-level analysis, focusing on space, counter-space, and intelligence missions. Responsibilities include designing AFSIM scenarios and plugins, collaborating with cross-functional teams, using Python and C++ to extend AFSIM capabilities, and contributing to technical documentation. Experience with object-oriented programming, Agile methodologies, and strong communication skills are required. This position may be filled as a Level 2 or 3.

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Systems Engineer with an emphasis on the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals supporting the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) and/or National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC).

You will work on projects that focus on space, counter‑space, and intelligence missions and support modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) teams in evaluating the performance of current and future military systems.

Domestic travel (up to 10%) may be required, dependent on program needs.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, integrate, and maintain models and simulations in the AFSIM framework to support mission‑level analysis.
  • Design and implement AFSIM scenarios and plugins, including object detection/identification and system‑of‑systems behaviors.
  • Collaborate with other modeling and simulation engineers, software developers, analysts, and government/DoD stakeholders to:
    • Understand mission objectives and analysis needs
    • Translate requirements into simulation architectures and models
    • Validate and document models and results
  • Use Python, C++, and related languages to extend AFSIM capabilities and interface with external tools, data sources, and visualization environments.
  • Contribute to complex technical documentation (e.g., intel‑based reports, model documentation, design descriptions) that clearly communicates assumptions, limitations, and results.
  • Work as part of an Agile development team, using tools such as Jira, to plan work, track progress, and deliver incremental capability.
  • Support continuous improvement of our modeling and simulation environment by incorporating lessons learned, new capabilities, and customer feedback.
  • Communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

This position may be filled as a level 2 or 3 based on the qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications

  • Systems Engineer (Level 2): Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM discipline and 2+ years of relevant experience; or a Master of Science degree in a related STEM discipline and 0 years of relevant experience.
  • Systems Engineer (Level 3): Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related STEM discipline and 5+ years of relevant experience; or a Master of Science degree in a related STEM discipline and 3+ years of relevant experience.
  • U.S. Citizenship with an active TS/SCI security clearance (and ability to maintain it).
  • Demonstrated AFSIM familiarity:
    • Experience as an AFSIM user or developer (developers preferred; experienced users willing to move into development are also desirable).
  • Experience with object‑oriented programming, such as C++ and/or Python.
  • Experience working on software or modeling projects in a team environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to contribute to complex technical documents.
  • Ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct AFSIM development experience (e.g., scenario development, plugin development, extending framework capabilities).
  • Experience with AFSIM version 2505 or later (if applicable to your program).
  • Experience using Jira and Agile development methodologies.
  • Experience with other modeling & simulation environments such as:
    • Ansys Systems Tool Kit (STK)
    • Other DoD M&S tools (e.g., NGTS, ITASE).
  • Additional programming experience (e.g., Python, C++, MATLAB, SQL, Java).
  • Prior IC or domain experience (NASIC/NSIC, TMAP models, or intel‑based modeling).
  • Familiarity with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts and tools.
  • Experience mentoring and supporting junior engineers.
Primary Level Salary Range: $83,400.00 - $125,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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